FRESNO, CA 2022 / Addiction and substance abuse can harm individuals, families, and whole communities. Wellman Shew is a training leader for Celebrate Recovery at Clovis Hills Community Church. He recently discussed the benefits of entering a church recovery program to overcome drug or alcohol addiction and other substance use disorders.
“A person entering or going through the recovery process needs support, and there’s no better way to find support than at your local church,” Shew said.
The following are several advantages of church recovery programs.
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Support Is Abundant
Shew emphasized the importance of recovery support. He explained that church support groups encourage others to engage with others facing the same difficulties as them. A significant advantage of choosing a church support group is that the recovering individual shares the same faith as those surrounding him. Connecting with others in multiple ways aids in the recovery process, especially when lifelong recovery feels like an impossible task.
“Celebrate Recovery is a program based on biblical principles,” Shew said. “One of those principles is real community support. Individuals don’t get well on their own. The fellowship developed in a church recovery group proves successful in helping individuals achieve lifelong recovery.”
The Power of Prayer
Church recovery groups are nonjudgmental. They focus on every individual’s recovery and pray that God can relieve cravings, anxiety, stress, and other difficulties related to substance abuse and addiction. Anyone who enters a church recovery program has a whole group of believers on their side.
Church Recovery Is Forward-Looking
The past isn’t typically a bright place for individuals recovering from addiction and substance use disorders. Wellman Shew explained that church recovery programs like Celebrate Recovery are always looking forward. The focus of this program is on the future and not on what previously occurred in a person’s life. Celebrate Recovery members, and founders believe that the time to begin making smart choices is now, and God can help.
It’s More Than Addiction Treatment
Celebrate Recovery, and other church-based recovery programs focus on far more than alcohol and drug addictions. They are umbrella programs that help individuals heal from numerous issues, including eating disorders, physical abuse, sexual addictions, post-traumatic stress disorders, family relational issues, and others.
Recovery Is Ongoing
Traditional recovery programs release individuals when they believe they’re ready to return to traditional life. Church recovery groups never leave a person’s side.
Individuals remain a part of the church recovery community for life, and they can always call on group members, the church, or God for assistance.
Wellman Shew and Celebrate Recovery
Wellman Shew is the current Training Leader for the Clovis Hills Community Church in Fresno County, California. He encourages individuals struggling with addiction, substance use disorders, mental health issues, or relationship problems to contact their local Celebrate Recovery or other church recovery program. The journey to a more fulfilling faithful life in recovery begins right now.
